Being Verstappen's Sidekick? Not Even Hamilton Could Survive: Sergio Perez Opens Up On Red Bull Racing Past

Sergio Perez, the former Red Bull Racing driver, has recently offered a candid assessment of his time with the team, suggesting that the pressures of partnering Max Verstappen are so immense that not even a driver of Lewis Hamilton's caliber could thrive in the role. After four seasons with the Milton Keynes outfit, Perez departed at the end of 2024, a period marked by both significant contributions and intense scrutiny.

Perez joined Red Bull ahead of the 2021 season, replacing Alex Albon. He played a pivotal role in Verstappen's first World Championship title that year. However, the Mexican driver's time with Red Bull was also marked by inconsistency and the ever-present challenge of competing with Verstappen.

Reflecting on his experience, Perez implied that the Red Bull car's characteristics, developed around Verstappen's aggressive driving style, made it difficult for other drivers to feel comfortable. "You have to adapt to Max's way of driving," he stated. "It's not that the car is bad, but it's very specific. And if you don't drive it like he does, you're nowhere".

Since Daniel Ricciardo's departure in 2018, Red Bull has struggled to find a consistent teammate for Verstappen. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were both dropped after short stints. Perez lasted longer, securing multiple wins and finishing third in the 2022 drivers' standings. Despite a strong start to 2023, his form declined, leading to immense pressure and eventual replacement.

Perez believes no driver in the current field could have endured the pressure he faced. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he claimed that even drivers like Hamilton or Charles Leclerc would struggle. "It doesn't matter if you bring Hamilton or Leclerc, or whoever you bring there is going to struggle massively," Perez said. He added, "I don't like to criticise those drivers, because I was in that position. I know exactly what they're going through".

Looking back, Perez acknowledged the difficulties of being in Verstappen's shadow and the pressure to perform in a top team. He noted that every tenth of a second and every team radio message becomes a potential headline. Despite the challenges, Perez secured three P2 finishes in the first five races of a season, each time with Verstappen winning. This reflects the ideal scenario for Red Bull, but also highlights the pressure to perform in Verstappen's shadow.

Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, noted that Perez entered a season with a new mindset, focusing less on his teammate. This approach initially yielded positive results, but consistency remained a challenge.

After leaving Red Bull, Perez is set to return to Formula 1 with Cadillac in 2026, alongside Valtteri Bottas. He will test with Ferrari at Imola in November as part of Cadillac's preparations, utilizing Ferrari's engines and gaining valuable experience. Perez has been involved in simulator work and team simulations at Cadillac's headquarters and Silverstone base.

Perez expressed gratitude for the support he's received from the F1 community, including a message from Juan Pablo Montoya acknowledging the pressures at Red Bull. He looks forward to a fresh start with Cadillac, aiming to prove his doubters wrong and contribute to building a new team. "It's always great to have a team that listens to you, supports you, and values you. That's what every driver dreams of having," Perez said.